Melbourne Rebels sign Highlanders centre Tamati Ellison

The Rebels have bolstered their 2014 squad, with the signing of Highlanders centre Tamati Ellison on a one year deal.

The 30 year old All Black will join the Rebels for the 2014 pre-season, following the completion of Ricoh Black Rams' Top League season in Japan.

Rebels Head Coach, Tony McGahan, said both Tamati's versatility and experience would be valuable assets to the Club.

"Tamati has the ability to play at a high level across a number of positions in the backline, which makes him a very important part of a Super XV squad in such a fast and demanding competition.

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"He is a player who likes to express himself on the rugby field, and with this he will fit into the type of rugby we aim to play next season."

Ellison was a member the of Sevens team that won gold in the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and has since played in New Zealand's NPC, Super Rugby, Top League and Test rugby.

"His experience from all levels of New Zealand Rugby, combined with his overseas playing time will enable him to contribute to our Rugby program across many levels, both on and off the field," said McGahan.

Ellison captained the Junior All Blacks to victory in the 2009 Pacific Nations Cup, and went on to make his first Test appearance in the All Blacks' 2009 tour to Europe later that year.

Born in Wellington, Ellison made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2005, and has gone on to represent both the Hurricanes and the Highlanders, with a total of 77 caps to his name.

Speaking from Japan, Ellison said "My family and I are really excited about moving to Melbourne and the new opportunities that lay ahead.

"The Rebels are building a very competitive team, and I'm looking forward to being a part of that.

7 comments so far

And the Rebels are building a quietly strong roster for next years super rugby season. Cannot wait! Rebels to finish second in the Australian conference

Commenter

Mattty

Date and time

September 06, 2013, 11:26PM

Whilst the ARU allows franchises to recruit players who are ineligible to represent the Wallabies Australian rugby will continue to stagnate. The current set up is like a short term sugar fix: sweet and tasty at first but ultimately detrimental to long term health. All franchises need to to be encouraged (forceably if necessary) to find and foster home grown talent.

Commenter

Right! said Fred

Location

Sydney

Date and time

September 08, 2013, 2:40PM

just wait 3 years then he'll be eligible! you have noone but the ARU to blame for the lack of player depth in Australia, ESPECIALLY when there is no domestic competition between club rugby and Super 15. it's just NOT good enough. too much of a gap and Australia will continue to fall behind. The Franchises want to make money and win comps. they don't care about home grown talent when they're picking players from a paddling pool.

Commenter

simz

Location

rugby fan

Date and time

September 10, 2013, 8:46AM

wrong simz, he's already been capped by NZ so is inelligble to play for Australia even after 3 years.

Commenter

tpcam

Date and time

September 10, 2013, 6:40PM

I have no objection to imports playing in an Australian Franchise. The depth is not there in Australia at the moment - and we have 5 sides. So - bring in a talented import, preferably one that is either fringing on their own international side and bring them in to promote high skills and competition amongst the Australians. There's nothing wrong with having Australian Rugby kids grow up idolising and wanting to be like Kieran Read, Dan Carter, Bryan Habana, SBW, Johnnie W, BOD.. they are world class. To be the best - you have to aim up at the best. Many years ago - in Cricket - many top English cricketers idols were Haydos, Steve W, Border, Punter, Gilly.. now.. shoes on the other foot. What they have in common is looking up to the best - that makes kids and young sportspeople exceed is to emulate and try and be better than their idol. A marquee player is designed to fill a hole we can't fill - and if you market it right and bring the right person in.. you will attract many forms of players, supporters and wannabes in. To find that perfect diamond, you have to sift through a lot of dirt.

Commenter

Matt D

Location

Sydney

Date and time

September 10, 2013, 4:01PM

Great insight Matt D.

I'd rather Aussie kids idolize world class players as opposed to the three Amigos. If my son ever wants to endorse multivitamins whilst a matching blazer and loafers, I'll know that I've failed as a Rugby father. "Get in those scrums and don't come out until those ears resemble cauliflowers"

Commenter

Gonzo

Location

Brisbane

Date and time

September 11, 2013, 7:53AM

Very true - my then teenage son and his mates would mob Jonah Lomu every time he came to Canberra to play for the Hurricanes and I thought at the time that this was odd behaviour. How wrong I was as young kids could see and appreciate talent and one they hoped to emulate. They certainly didn't see Lomu as the opposition but were grateful, as I was, to see him play in person.

The Rebels are on to a good thing and to think outside the box and recruit a former AB, who would certainly in the current mob if he wanted to.

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